Catalina Museum to Host Annual Open House Dec. 14

AVALON — During World War II, Catalina Island served as much more than a vacation destination. Instead, it became an important focal point in the first line of defense against a potential Pacific attack.

In its newest exhibition opening Dec. 7, the Catalina Island Museum demonstrates just how drastic the changes on the island were following the attack on Pearl Harbor. The island was transformed nearly overnight from one of the world’s most popular resort destinations into a strategically important federal military zone.

The exhibition, dubbed “First Line of Defense,” explores recently declassified top-secret operations on the island, the radical changes in the daily life of Avalon’s citizens and the importance of Catalina Island to the defense of the United States during World War II.

On Dec. 14, visitors to the island can view the exhibition for free, as the museum will be hosting its annual open house. On top of free admission, museum-goers will receive discounts of 10 to 50 percent off every item in the museum store and a special tasting in the museum’s Harbor Room, provided by Steve’s Steakhouse.

Museum members will receive an additional 15 percent discount on all store merchandise on top of the holiday savings.

Museum memberships start at $45.

This year’s holiday open house is scheduled for 4-7 p.m. Dec. 14 and is sponsored by Steve and Ronna Schreiner, Ohana Harbor Coffee, Grindstone Foundation, Michael Fields, Steve’s Steakhouse and the Santa Catalina Island Co.

For more information, call (310) 510-2414 or visit catalinamuseum.com.